Before the 2024 NBA Playoffs even started many people warned that the Bucks would be on upset alert. It turns out they were wrong because Milwaukee (49-33) isn’t even the favorite, at least in Game 1, of their Eastern Conference 1st round matchup with the Pacers (47-36).
Before Betting on April 21 Pacers vs Bucks
The biggest reason Milwaukee is a home underdog on Sunday is because the health of their two biggest stars is in question. Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out the last three games of the regular season with a calf injury, and Damian Lillard is questionable for Game 1 with a groin injury.
Lillard should play for Milwaukee, but this is also a Bucks team that lost six of their last eight to wind down the regular season when they were full strength at times. Another reason the Bucks are underdogs in Game 1 is that Indiana is also really good, led by Tyrese Haliburton in his breakout season.
Haliburton averaged 20.9 ppg this year and led the NBA with 10.9 assists per game. Indiana also added some postseason experience by trading for Pascal Siakam (21.7 ppg) who led the Raptors to the 2019 Championship. The Pacers have also matched up well with the Bucks this season, going 4-1 in the head to head series.
Indiana vs Milwaukee Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Point Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | PACERS (1.88) | BUCKS (1.94) | 231.5 | PACERS -1 (1.95) | BUCKS +1 (1.87) |
| MyBookie | PACERS (1.83) | BUCKS (1.95) | 233 | PACERS -1 (1.91) | BUCKS +1 (1.91) |
| BetUS | PACERS (OFF) | BUCKS (OFF) | 231.5 | PACERS PK (1.90) | BUCKS PK (1.90) |
| SportsBetting.ag | PACERS (1.88) | BUCKS (1.94) | 231.5 | PACERS -1 (1.95) | BUCKS +1 (1.87) |
| XBet | PACERS (1.83) | BUCKS (1.95) | 233 | PACERS -1 (1.91) | BUCKS +1 (1.91) |
April 21 Pacers vs Bucks NBA Prediction & Pick
Lillard is going to have to carry the load on Sunday and do so while being a bit banged up. The Bucks do have some quality players to fill the floor like Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis, but this is a Milwaukee team that has barely any chemistry up against a hungry #6 seed Pacers team that has a legitimate chance of taking this series.
